The New Year

It's back to work and off to a fresh start. Time off from magic can be just as important as time working ON the magic! This is very apparent in scripting, brainstorming ideas, and designing routines. It's great to dive into a project and give it your all, but if you let it rest for a while and come back to it at a later date, you will see all the things that were clouded from your vision before. I always write everything down into a hard bound book, this way I can look at all the ideas I've had and nothing gets left out. Compiling your ideas in a computer may be handy, but it is too darn easy to erase any idea at any time...even the bad ideas may spark a good one at a later date. After compiling ideas, routine, scripts, etc. for an entire year, I like to look back at it and analyze it very carefully. After taking 3 weeks off from hard magic work (and working at other jobs) I've been able to hit the reset button to start fresh. If you ever come to a creativity block, I suggest you do the same and take some time off. Giving things time is also another great way to curb the spending habit. If you shop for magic products on-line, check to see if the web site has a wish list you can place your products into. Let them sit there for a while and when you come back to them 3 weeks later, your instincts will lead you to making the correct purchasing decision. Lets face it, there is a lot of crap on the market and money can be tight in this profession. Take things slow and do some research in the mean time. Shop around at different web sites and see if there may be similar gimmicks/tricks/books that may be more suited to your needs. WELL, I'm back to work and I resolve to not drink any more pop, create more timely and precise routines, plan things out further ahead of time, and practise all the techniques I've been exposed to in manipulations, even if I don't use them in my current routines. That's all for now, magically yours; Richy Roy

merry christmas

merry christmas everybody

Music...So VERY important

A few days ago I purchased an iTouch. What a wonderful gadget. It sure beats the heck out of the other mp3 players I've tried in the past. Music/videos/pictures aside, there are so many other cool applications that you can use it for. Any time I need access to my home computer, I just connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi network and load up my very own home screen app...instantly I've got access to all files on my home computer. The main reason for this purchase was so that I did not have to burn a new CD for every performance. If you're like me, you don't have an assistant at every show, so you need to set up your music in advance so that everything runs in time. I edit all my songs to the exact length of my routines and practise to make sure that everything falls in place, in time with the music. Using Sony's Acid Jazz Studio, I can create silent periods for when I don't need music. I also have complete editing control over all other songs. MUSIC is so important that I almost never go without it. Even if I am doing close-up work, I like to have suitable background music to set the mood. If you want to make your show very professional, hire a pro voice to say intros, closers, 5 minute warnings, etc... If you are looking for a more inexpensive route, go with Magic Enhancers. They provide a wonderful service of producing a CD customized to your needs (they even have voice mail clips). That's all for now, check back next week when I discuss choosing the correct type of music.
Magically yours; Richy Roy

Tis' the Season

The Christmas season is here, which means I'm busier than ever! Seasonal magic opens doors to many opportunities to experiment with new and unique ideas. Sometimes it may be as simple as changing the colors on a few props and writing new patter. Other times, it could be an entirely new concept! I like to keep a list of the utility items I have (square circle, phantom tube, hank ball, etc.) and create a list of things to do with Christmas. This usually kicks off the brainstorming for new ideas. Coming up with new ideas may be difficult, so approach them from all directions. What would a child like to see? How about an adult? What would Santa do? Don't just keep these ideas in your head, write 'em down! I need to write them on PAPER...this seems to get the ink flowing. For this year's magic show, I added an effect where I turn the child into a magician and with the help from me and Santa, we all wish the audience a merry Christmas. From the picture you can see that silks are a great way to add color to any magic show. Small, inexpensive, and looks great on stage. In the mail bag today, I've acquired a Magic Doodle Pen and a few books (Foundations and Stars of Magic). Time for some heavy reading, I'll let you know what I think about these books in my next Blog. Also, I am working on a TV show through Access 7, hopefully we start shoots in Jan. I'll keep you posted.
Magically yours; Richy Roy

Grand Opening

Believe it or not, this is my first blog...ever! Yes, it took me a while, but now that I am here I can fully unload all of my events, ideas, and random thoughts onto the net, free for anyone interested in the magnificent world of magic. I will try to keep things short and sweet, but I worn you now, in advance, that I can ramble on sometimes. You have been forewarned.

Be sure to check back here weekly and I will do my best to keep things fresh.

In this blog you will find new and old ideas for magicians, event planners, fundraisers, businessmen (and women), and entertainers. I may also touch on image designing and creating music and videos. For the general public, it's your chance to read about the "behind the scenes" of a professional working magician. I hope you enjoy these blogs and if you have any questions about anything, feel free to drop me an e-mail at richyroy@saskmagic.com.

I now declare that this Blog has officially begun.

Magically yours; Richy Roy

http://www.saskmagic.com/